What is Gentle Vision Shaping System (GVSS)?
The Gentle Vision Shaping System corrects for low to moderate amount of nearsightedness and astigmatism during night time allowing clear vision during waking hours. For patients who are afraid of refractive surgery such as LASIK, this is another alternative to achieve clear vision during the day! Unlike LASIK, Gentle Vision Shaping System is reversible.
The Gentle Vision Shaping System uses specially designed vision retainer lenses to gently and gradually reshape the front surface of the eye (the cornea) to eliminate or reduce nearsightedness (myopia) or astigmatism. The principle is similar to the use of a dental retainer used by an orthodontist to realign crooked teeth. The vision retainers are similar to contact lenses and are usually worn while sleeping. They are removed upon awakening to provide clear vision without using glasses or contact lenses! The retainers are comfortable and very easy to care for.
I’ve never heard of GVSS. Is it new?
Attempts to reshape the cornea have been tried since contact lenses were first fit. The process, referred to as orthokeratology, would take years to complete and the results were not nearly as favorable as GVSS. For this reason, many doctors and patients elected not to participate in orthokeratology. Now with technological advancements with the diagnostic equipment used to measure the corneal shape and the materials being used to make the vision retainers, GVSS is now a viable alternative for many nearsighted or astigmatism patients.
How much does GVSS cost?
There is a one- time initial fee for GVSS. The entire GVSS program includes all of the professional visits for two years and two sets of retainer lenses. Contact our office for more information.
Does health or vision insurance cover this procedure?
Unfortunately, health insurance considers both surgical (LASIK) and non-surgical (GVSS) vision improvement to be cosmetic and therefore does not cover this procedure. However, this procedure qualifies for Flexible Spending Account (FSA). We also offer CareCredit to help finance the procedure.
Do all eye doctors perform GVSS?
No, GVSS needs to be performed in a very exact and meticulous manner due to the fact that it only works on qualifying patients. We have the necessary diagnostic equipment and computer software to perform GVSS.
Does GVSS work on all prescriptions?
The procedure works best on mild to moderate amount of nearsightedness or astigmatism. More severe cases can have their vision improved, but will still need some vision correction. The speed at which treatment occurs varies with each patient.
When it comes to eyes, I’m very concerned, is it safe?
GVSS is very safe and we utilize FDA approved materials. It is safe for children and adults and is an excellent alternative for children who are just first becoming nearsighted.
Does GVSS help stop my child’s eyes from getting worse?
Rigid gas permeable lenses, the same used with GVSS, have been shown to slow the rate of progression of nearsightedness when compared to children wearing eyeglasses. More studies are needed to confirm this and the exact mechanism by which this happens, but in our opinion children with rapidly progressive nearsightedness should wear these lenses in an attempt to reduce myopia progression. Orthokeratology is currently not an FDA approved procedure for myopia management. The link below summarizes some scientific studies that describe myopia management and orthokeratology.
